Provider pictures

[MCR]

I just want to take a survey from you all. 

How do you feel about providers not being willing to provide pictures for you to decide to hire them or not? This one provider tips me he doesn't send pictures because people play games. My take is i will not hire you if i don't see clear pictures of what I'm paying for. 

[+ ApexNomad]

9 minutes ago, MCR said:

I just want to take a survey from you all. 

How do you feel about providers not being willing to provide pictures for you to decide to hire them or not? This one provider tips me he doesn't send pictures because people play games. My take is i will not hire you if i don't see clear pictures of what I'm paying for. 

What kind of pictures are we talking about here? Face shots? Full-body? I recall one provider a while back whose ad featured just a shot of his bicep, and frankly, that didn’t convey enough for me to be interested. If a provider isn’t willing to invest time in offering clear, thoughtful images and compelling ad copy, then I’m left with two options: request a video chat or simply move on to someone who is more transparent in their presentation.

[MCR]

1 minute ago, ApexNomad said:

What kind of pictures are we talking about here? Face shots? Full-body? I recall one provider a while back whose ad featured just a shot of his bicep, and frankly, that didn’t convey enough for me to be interested. If a provider isn’t willing to invest time in offering clear, thoughtful images and compelling ad copy, then I’m left with two options: request a video chat or simply move on to someone who is more transparent in their presentation.

I will not hire if i don't get clear face and clear nudes. If they want the business,  they need to advertise. 

[soloyo215]

11 hours ago, MCR said:

I just want to take a survey from you all. 

How do you feel about providers not being willing to provide pictures for you to decide to hire them or not? This one provider tips me he doesn't send pictures because people play games. My take is i will not hire you if i don't see clear pictures of what I'm paying for. 

Don't hire him, then, and look for one who will be willing to send you pictures.

I never ask for pictures. The ones in the websites suffice for me to get a sense of what to expect. I haven't come across a profile without any pictures, so I don't feel any need to ask for any. Size, circumcision status, girth, body hair (or lack thereof) or Peyronie's disease are not of importance to me at all. I've had fun with all kinds.

The only physical attribute that might make me think twice is height. I don't prefer guys who are much taller then me.

Edited December 20, 2024 by soloyo215

[Vin Marco]

There's definitely a fine line between few pictures and plenty of pictures..  ( historically,  we do have to deal with what we call " pic collectors " )  When I do run my ad  ( active ) I like to include a face photo,  a smiling photo, a photo with clothes, totally nude, flaccid and erect, AND my current condition .. so when someone asks me for more photos I kindly tell them that if 27 photos aren't enough 270 photos won't be enough. 
There have been guys in the past that never showed their faces and were able to get away with it..  they had zero problems staying busy and they didn't seem to care that it was a deal breaker for some ( Colton RIP  and Dr.Mike ) Ironically,  both had great faces and most would consider them incredibly good looking. 

Edited December 20, 2024 by Vin Marco

[+ ApexNomad]

Back in the day, we didn’t have the luxury of scrolling through profiles, sifting through headshots and dick pics, like folks do now on platforms like RentMen or Grindr. Things were… different. If you were looking for companionship—whether for an hour or a night—you had to rely on intuition, subtle signals, and sometimes pure luck.

There was no GPS to lead you to a discreet meeting spot, no endless menu of preferences to select from. You might’ve had to cruise in bars, parks, or certain stretches of town you hoped wouldn’t attract the wrong kind of attention. It wasn’t glamorous, and it sure wasn’t convenient, but there was a certain thrill to it, a rawness that technology has polished away.

You couldn’t pre-screen someone’s stats or preferences, either. You met people face-to-face, in the dim glow of a dive bar or the shadows of a bustling city street, where chemistry and charisma did the heavy lifting. I never saw their dick in advance or “selected” someone because of their dick size, so it was all a surprise. (Which is why dick size means nothing to me.) It was human, unpredictable, and sometimes messy.

Classified ads often used euphemistic or coded language, such as “companions,” “masseurs,” or “models,” to discreetly advertise escort services without directly referencing sex work. These subtle codes were part of a hidden world where discretion and secrecy were paramount. The ads gave just enough to go on, often leaving more to the imagination than any photos or details could provide. You had to know the language to decode the message.

I’ll admit, the modern way has its perks—privacy, efficiency, and transparency—but back then, there was an authenticity, a necessity to actually connect, even if only briefly. Every interaction carried risk, yes, but also possibility. In some ways, maybe we were braver—or just foolish. Depends who you ask.

[Vin Marco]

4 minutes ago, ApexNomad said:

Back in the day, we didn’t have the luxury of scrolling through profiles, sifting through headshots and dick pics, like folks do now on platforms like RentMen or Grindr. Things were… different. If you were looking for companionship—whether for an hour or a night—you had to rely on intuition, subtle signals, and sometimes pure luck.

There was no GPS to lead you to a discreet meeting spot, no endless menu of preferences to select from. You might’ve had to cruise in bars, parks, or certain stretches of town you hoped wouldn’t attract the wrong kind of attention. It wasn’t glamorous, and it sure wasn’t convenient, but there was a certain thrill to it, a rawness that technology has polished away.

You couldn’t pre-screen someone’s stats or preferences, either. You met people face-to-face, in the dim glow of a dive bar or the shadows of a bustling city street, where chemistry and charisma did the heavy lifting. I never saw their dick in advance or “selected” someone because of their dick size, so it was all a surprise. (Which is why dick size means nothing to me.) It was human, unpredictable, and sometimes messy.

Classified ads often used euphemistic or coded language, such as “companions,” “masseurs,” or “models,” to discreetly advertise escort services without directly referencing sex work. These subtle codes were part of a hidden world where discretion and secrecy were paramount. The ads gave just enough to go on, often leaving more to the imagination than any photos or details could provide. You had to know the language to decode the message.

I’ll admit, the modern way has its perks—privacy, efficiency, and transparency—but back then, there was an authenticity, a necessity to actually connect, even if only briefly. Every interaction carried risk, yes, but also possibility. In some ways, maybe we were braver—or just foolish. Depends who you ask.

It was before my time, but imagine having to rely on the rag Frontiers 😬😜

[+ ApexNomad]

3 minutes ago, Vin Marco said:

It was before my time, but imagine having to rely on the rag Frontiers 😬😜

Memories. 😂

[MiamiLooker]

10 minutes ago, Vin Marco said:

It was before my time, but imagine having to rely on the rag Frontiers 😬😜

Or The Advocate, Hot Spots Magazine, David Magazine, Next (I believe that was the mag's name)...

[TorontoDrew]

I remember hiring out of the back of NOW magazine in Toronto.  No pics but I seem to remember only meeting hot guys.

[+ ApexNomad]

7 minutes ago, MiamiLooker said:

Or The Advocate, Hot Spots Magazine, David Magazine, Next (I believe that was the mag's name)...

The Advocate for me.

[Vin Marco]

It's also just my personal opinion that ads with " professional stylized " photos should also include regular cell phone or candid photos too.. so people can get a better idea of what you look like in day to day life. An ad with nothing but pro photos CAN  be an inaccurate representation but on the flip side an ad  full of gonzo photos could be doing someone a disservice.. a combo of both seems to strike a happy medium at least that's what's worked for me. 

Edited December 20, 2024 by Vin Marco

[TorontoDrew]

I prefer to see a clear full body picture.  I understand why some don't provide a face picture. 

[SirBillybob]

13 minutes ago, Vin Marco said:

It's also just my personal opinion that ads with " professional stylized " photos should also include regular cell phone or candid photos too.. so people can get a better idea of what you look like in day to day life. An ad with nothing but pro photos CAN  be an inaccurate representation but on the flip side a photo full of gonzo photos could be doing someone a disservice.. a combo of both seems to strike a happy medium at least that's what's worked for me. 

Professionally Instituted Glamour Shots. YMMV.😜

Edited December 20, 2024 by SirBillybob

[+ DrownedBoy]

I need face, body and arm shots. I'm looking at how they look and how muscular they are (dick pics annoy me).

I rarely have time to play back and forth photo games with providers. If they're shy, there's dozens more who aren't, and who also want my money.

If a provider won't unlock his photos for me, they get blocked. That shows too much  willfulness, and that the provider isn't a good businessman or professional.

[MikeBiDude]

2 hours ago, Vin Marco said:

It was before my time, but imagine having to rely on the rag Frontiers 😬😜

Oh, I did that for many years! Making your choice from a thumbnail sized B&W photo, if even that!!

[+ Jamie21]

I’m fine to send pics if someone asks, but like @Vin Marcosays many guys just keep asking for pics without ever booking. I’ve lots of pics and even a demo video on my website plus plenty on Rentmasseur. If they want a face pic then I’m happy send it too. People do need to feel comfortable with hiring. The last thing I want is someone to come and be disappointed that I’m not what they expected: it makes for a difficult session. 

I like the sound of what @ApexNomad describes in the pre smartphone and app world regarding hiring and hookups. The thrill of the chase, the potential for surprise, the furtiveness I imagine all added to the excitement. Things that are got too easily are not appreciated and that’s definitely a downside of what I’d call the ‘Amazon Primeification’ of sex services. 
 

[SirBillybob]

3 hours ago, TorontoDrew said:

I remember hiring out of the back of NOW magazine in Toronto.  No pics but I seem to remember only meeting hot guys.

I found Now and XTRA! to be very hit and miss. Grateful when the stripper bars got going, especially the relatively shortlived “Heaven” Sunday nights at Brass Rail about 30 years ago. My god, those men coming in to perform on that one night when female strippers had their night off. 

[TorontoDrew]

47 minutes ago, SirBillybob said:

I found Now and XTRA! to be very hit and miss. Grateful when the stripper bars got going, especially the relatively shortlived “Heaven” Sunday nights at Brass Rail about 30 years ago. My god, those men coming in to perform on that one night when female strippers had their night off. 

I have very fond memories of Heaven, especially the duo shower shows.

[BuffaloKyle]

Honestly face is really my only absolute must. There was one provider, latino like I love too, that had an amazing body and ass. Asked for a face pic and he totally did look like anything I expected and I was not attracted at all. 

[+ KensingtonHomo]

I'm totally fine some good pics - body, nudes, etc. on the profile. But I'm not going to meet up with anyone without seeing a face pic. For the reason @BuffaloKyle pointed out. People can have a very attractive body but the face doesn't appeal. And it's not like "oh, his body is a 10 but his face is a 3." It's more like his face isn't attractive to me personally. I can also understand why guys - especially those who escort or massage on the side - don't want their face on their profiles. So I'm find with someone who will share a pic once you've contacted and we're starting to plan to meet up. 

[Moke]

I ask to unlock of course, but I rarely ask for “additional” pix. Only if they have pretty few or if there is no  clear shirtless pic of the torso. If there is always draping or partial or weird angles, I assume they are hiding a less than stellar body. 
 

face is nice but not a must. I have been disappointed several times by a provider whose body is clearly older or more out of shape than their pix. I’ve never had a “maybe I should” bail level of disappointment from the face though. I mean I like a good looking man, but if the body rocks it’s almost impossible for one’s face to be a deal breaker. 

[+ KensingtonHomo]

1 hour ago, Moke said:

if the body rocks it’s almost impossible for one’s face to be a deal breaker. 

No shade but I don't understand this. If i'm not attracted to someone's face, they could have an adonis-like body and I'm not remotely interested. Whereas if they have a face and vibe I'm very attracted to, an average or reasonably fit body is totally fine. In fact, in my experience with providers is the more ripped they are, the less interesting and good in bed they are. Again, I'm not talking about guys in good shape. Rather the guys who look like Men's Fitness models. 

[MikeBiDude]

8 minutes ago, KensingtonHomo said:

If i'm not attracted to someone's face, they could have an adonis-like body and I'm not remotely interested

+1

No face pic = no meet

[nate_sf]

On 12/20/2024 at 7:01 AM, ApexNomad said:

The Advocate for me.

When I was a young pup just getting started I advertised in the back of the Bay Area Reporter, with a line ad. No pic at all! Those were different times for sure.